Careers

Chatswood, 19 July, 2017 – HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund, has once again partnered with The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute to offer free heart health checks for members with extras at HCF Chatswood. The partnership between HCF and Victor Chang, now in its fifth year, has seen almost 50,000 members tested across Australia for risk factors that could affect their heart health.

The Victor Chang Health Check Booth will be operating at the HCF Chatswood branch from 19th – 21st July and includes three quick health tests — blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose – to help members understand and track these factors that can impact their heart health.

HCF’s 2016 Chatswood program highlighted a need for local members to put their health first, with:

Almost one quarter (24%) of tested members presenting with high cholesterol

Two thirds (67 per cent) not knowing their cholesterol levels

50 per cent not knowing their blood pressure

28 per cent of tested members were also recommended to visit a GP for further assessment and health managementi

“The Heart Health checks are a great way for Chatswood members to look after themselves. We know from last year’s activity that key heart health indicators such as blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels are unknown by many of our members. The Victor Chang Heart Health checks are a fantastic opportunity to make heart health front-of-mind and quickly and easily identify those who would benefit from a visit to their GP,” Robyn Scholten said.

The Heart Health Checks are free for members with extras cover thanks to HCF’s ongoing partnership with the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, a not-for-profit charity dedicated to fighting cardiovascular disease through research.

Chatswood members can also make use of the many digital tools and free online resources from HCF to help them reach their health and fitness goals. HCF’s suite of healthy apps includes a Get Fitter app, offering advice and tailored exercise plans, a Be Happier app, including tools to improve mental and emotional wellbeing, and a Quit Smoking app to help smokers stay focused on their smoke-free goals.

Tips for a healthy heart

According to the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, there are some simple ways that Chatswood residents can maintain a healthy heart:

Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and choose lean meats and poultry.

Cut down on salt.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise every day.

Curb your alcohol intake. No more than one or two standard alcoholic drinks per day is recommended.

HCF, Australia’s largest not-for-profit health fund protecting Australians since 1932, covers over 1.5 million members with health and life insurance, community care, travel and pet insurance. On average over the last five years, HCF has paid out more cents in every dollar in premiums to members as benefits than the industry average. With over 35,000 specialists participating in its Medical Gap Cover Scheme and approximately 10,000 providers participating in its 100% back More for You programs, HCF gives members access to quality health care with no gaps or minimal costs compared to non-participating providers. To empower members to put their health first, HCF also offers a range of health and lifestyle services including its My Health Guardian health management program, mobile Victor Chang Health Checks and My Global Specialist second opinion service. HCF’s national network of retail outlets and Australian-based call centres have earned multi-award winning status. HCF members also have access to low cost, high quality services at HCF Dental Centres and HCF Eyecare Centres. Having contributed $50 million to support the health services research funded by the HCF Research Foundation, HCF is devoted to investing in the future of Australia’s health. To learn more about HCF go to hcf.com.au/about-us

i Data sourced from Victor Chang Heart Health Checks, Chatswood 2016: 320 members with extras were tested for their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Members were also asked whether they knew their levels or not.